The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Arbroath’s 36-0 hero takes place in club’s hall of fame.
Special dinner honours 13-goal hero and man who was part of Ibrox triumph
His 13 goals in a single game remains a record for British senior football.
John “Jocky” Petrie scorched the record books during Arbroath’s famous 36–0 victory over Bon Accord in the Scottish Cup in 1885.
Now the striker has taken his place in the club’s Hall of Fame as the latest inductee, alongside fellow legends Eric Sellars and Steven Florence, following a fans’ vote.
Last night’s Hall of Fame dinner, which took place in a giant marquee on the Gayfield pitch, was the third year the annual event has been held.
Lichties director Brian Cargill said: “As much as it’s a team game, John Petrie scored 13 goals of our 36 goals that day in 1885.
“He was famously 18 at the time and he still holds the record for the most goals ever scored in a senior British football game.”
Several other great Arbroath players from the past were also in attendance at the legends table.
Eric did not turn senior with Arbroath until he was 20, joining from junior outfit Carnoustie Panmure.
He spent 10 seasons at the club before having short spells with St Johnstone and Brechin before retiring in 1978.
The winger played in the top flight with Arbroath and was part of the famous side which beat Rangers at Ibrox in 1974.
Long-serving Steven Florence joined from Arbroath Lads Club and was with the Lichties from 1988 until 2003, making 327 appearances and scoring four goals.
Mr Cargill added: “It’s great that the fans get the chance to vote for the hall of fame and there’s a lot of magic about the whole night.
“The fans love having the legends here and they enjoy being part of it and we are working hard to keep these connections alive.
“I idolised many of these players as a young lad on the terraces so now to be speaking to them is a great thrill.
“It’s a fantastic setting and it’s great that we have the chance to honour John, Eric and Stephen in this way.”